Morcombes fear the worst for Februrary murder trial

A FEBRUARY trial date means the Morcombe family can begin preparing for one of the toughest challenges since their son Daniel was abducted almost 10 years ago.

Bruce and Denise Morcombe have listened to some of Queensland's worst sex offenders make fake confessions at an inquest and endured the horrific details of their son's final moments at a committal hearing.

But they expect the trial to be even worse.

"The reality of the trial will just bring it home and make it that much real again," Mr Morcombe said.

"It'll just resurface and it will be more magnified than in the past about exactly what has happened (to Daniel).

"Even Denise and I and (brothers) Dean and Brad's ability to sit through daily evidence may be challenged.

"It might be too challenging for us but, certainly this far out, our resolve is to sit through the proceedings."

Supreme Court Justice Ros Atkinson yesterday revealed the jury would be empanelled on February 10 next year to hear the case against Brett Peter Cowan.

Jurors are expected to be questioned about their knowledge of the case.

Justice Atkinson said there would be seats reserved for the Morcombe family in the courtroom during the trial and she would set aside a private room so they could take some time alone if needed.

Mr Morcombe said his family had not requested these arrangements but he was grateful someone had considered their welfare.

"(The private room) gives you a chance to have a glass of water and think some positive thoughts before you leave the building or re-enter court," he said.

Mr Cowan is accused of abducting Daniel, 13, while the boy was waiting for a bus on the Nambour Connection Rd on December 7, 2003.